09/22/2015 Bangalore, India
Gurudev, when one gets initiated into Sanyasa (renunciation), then one is asked to burn off the Janeuu (sacred thread worn across the shoulders), and it is considered that one cremated oneself. What is the actual secret behind this?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
No, it does not mean that. See, just like a snake sheds off its old skin, in the same way this ritual symbolizes that one should drop off everything from the past and be firmly established in the present.
Burning the thread at the time of Sanyasa means that one no longer needs to shoulder any responsibilities or duties. The reason behind wearing the thread is to remind oneself about the responsibilities one has to fulfill. Once a person has fulfilled all responsibilities and commitments, then he takes off the sacred thread. This also means one become centered and at peace. They do not have any more desires to be fulfilled.
Burning the thread at the time of Sanyasa means that one no longer needs to shoulder any responsibilities or duties. The reason behind wearing the thread is to remind oneself about the responsibilities one has to fulfill. Once a person has fulfilled all responsibilities and commitments, then he takes off the sacred thread. This also means one become centered and at peace. They do not have any more desires to be fulfilled.
It is said that love is a divine quality. But I find that others get troubled by my love. Please guide me.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
It is because you have understood love as an act or an emotion. Love is your very nature, my dear. Your persona always radiates and exudes love. A candle or a lamp does not make any efforts to spread its light on to others. It remains where it is and radiates that light. Do you see what I am saying? .
When others get disturbed by your love, then it means that you are over-expressing your love to them. You should reflect on this and hide your love a little sometimes.
When others get disturbed by your love, then it means that you are over-expressing your love to them. You should reflect on this and hide your love a little sometimes.
It is very difficult to express love completely. So you should only express that much love which the other person can receive and appreciate. Do not go over-board in expressing your love, otherwise the person will feel suffocated.
If you go on repeating to someone “I love you so much”, then they will end up saying, “Ok, so now what?” Then they will think to themselves, “O Lord, what am I to do with him now?” Everyone has a different capacity to give and to receive love. A wise person has a much greater capacity to give and receive love from everyone. But you should not think everyone has the same capacity. A normal person may have a lesser capacity to share and receive love. Their capability is limited. So when you shower too much love on someone with a limited capacity to receive that love, then naturally they will get troubled by it. Then the same love becomes such a burden. The other person will feel like running away. So hide your love and express it wherever needed. Do not go over-board in expressing it.
Gurudev, which is greater – Shabd (sound) or Nishabd (Silence)?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Shabd has its own importance and so does Nishabd. You need not create any difference between the two. Silence gets its importance and value because of sound, and you can recognize sound because of silence. Any syllable or sound is born from silence.
Gurudev, please tell us a little about the Aghori Tradition and its practices.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
This word Aghora itself conveys the meaning of this tradition. Aghora means that which is not terrifying, that which is beautiful and honourable. So Aghori means one who is very peaceful and who behaves in the same way. It means one who is very beautiful and has no aversions or hatred of any kind towards anyone. In the Rudram Chanting, one of the verses is, “Aghorebhyo Thaghorebhyo Ghora Ghora Tharebhyaha. Sarve Bhyaha Sarva Sharve Bhyo Namaste Astu Rudra Roopebhyaha”. How is Lord Shiva? Lord Shiva is both peaceful and terrifying, and yet he delivers and uplifts everyone. .
‘Shiva’ literally means One who uplifts and blesses everyone. The verse means, “O Rudra (Shiva), I bow to you. You are the most beautiful and also the most terrifying of all”. This mantra is called the Aghora Mantra.
‘Shiva’ literally means One who uplifts and blesses everyone. The verse means, “O Rudra (Shiva), I bow to you. You are the most beautiful and also the most terrifying of all”. This mantra is called the Aghora Mantra.
Nature is also the same way. When water flows as a river it is so peaceful and serene, but when the same water comes as a storming flood, then it is so destructive. A waterfall is so beautiful to look at, but at the same time it is also dangerous and terrifying. This is the closest example one can give for this mantra. .
For example, the Jog Falls here in Karnataka, it is so majestic to look at, but there is huge amount of water falling from a height of many thousand metres. It is so dangerous as well. If you look at it from afar it is so beautiful, but if one gets caught in the waterfall, they will not be able to survive the intensity of the falls.
For example, the Jog Falls here in Karnataka, it is so majestic to look at, but there is huge amount of water falling from a height of many thousand metres. It is so dangerous as well. If you look at it from afar it is so beautiful, but if one gets caught in the waterfall, they will not be able to survive the intensity of the falls.
All the five elements are like this. Take the fire element for example. Fire is so wonderful to look at when it burns like a lamp. But the same fire can be terrifying when an entire house catches fire and goes in flames. Similarly the same goes for the air element. A gentle flowing breeze of air is so nice, but when the same air takes the form of a storm or a tornado, then it can cause so much destruction.
Gurudev, why do you love me so much?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Keep asking this question again and again, and you will get the answer. You will then see that all your complaints and troubles disappear. I tell you, you should ask this question to everyone whenever a complaint of some sort arises in your mind. Whenever a complaint about someone’s behaviour arises in your heart, just think that they love you very much and that is why they are behaving in this way. Then you will be happy and will be able to stay steady and established in the Self. You will be able to save yourself from all the negativity.
What should we do to read and understand the Vedas?
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
Yes, you have come to the right place. Keep learning new things here and go on attending the different programs we have.
For example, in Tamil Nadu, they fold their hands into fists and tap their temples and forehead with the knuckles. This is a symbolic way to honour and remember Lord Ganesha. It was supposed to be done 21 times in the earlier days. This custom is called Kopakarnam in Tamil. You would also have to do sit-ups 21 times after this. .
Recently, scientists performed a mapping of the human brain and found that this practice of Kopakarnam enhances the brain. May be that is why so many brilliant people seem to come from Tamil Nadu (laughter).
Recently, scientists performed a mapping of the human brain and found that this practice of Kopakarnam enhances the brain. May be that is why so many brilliant people seem to come from Tamil Nadu (laughter).
You can ask our Chairman of The Art of Living, he too belongs to Tamil Nadu. Even in the Parliament Secretariat in Delhi, there was a time when most of the officials there were from Tamil Nadu. Today the scenario has changed.
In the earlier days all these customs were performed every time one visited a temple.
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